In Through the Shelter of Love, DeDecker portrays a family of six playing a game of London Bridge. “The parents are protective and their arms enclose the children, creating a nest or shelter for them,” DeDecker explains. “At the same time they give children the freedom to play, grow, and become parents themselves.” For DeDecker the game is a metaphor for the traditions and values that parents pass down to their children, including everything from childhood games to feelings of security.

View more from the Salt Lake City Arts Council Collection here.